Program Overview

Introduction to the FCS Co-op Experiential Learning Program

The Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University offers a Co-op Experiential Learning Program designed to provide students with the job experience and computer science knowledge required by employers in the tech industry. This program is crucial for students who want to be employable after graduation.

What is Co-op?

Co-op refers to co-operative education, which involves semesters dedicated to working for an employer. During these semesters, students apply their academic knowledge to real-world problems, earn a salary, and gain valuable job experience.

Structure of the Co-op Program

The Computer Science undergraduate degree program includes three co-op semesters, scheduled as follows:

• Year 1: Study (Fall and Winter), Break (Spring/Summer)
• Year 2: Study (Fall and Winter), Co-op (Spring/Summer)
• Year 3: Study (Fall), Co-op (Winter), Study (Spring/Summer)
• Year 4: Co-op (Fall), Study (Winter), Study/Break (Spring/Summer)
• Year 5: Study (if not completed in Spring/Summer)

Benefits of the Co-op Program

The co-op program offers several benefits to students, including:

• Reinforcing learning through real-world applications
• Building job experience for a competitive advantage in the job market
• Establishing invaluable contacts in the industry
• Paid work terms with competitive wages and potential relocation expenses

Getting Involved in Co-op Semesters

To participate in the co-op program, Computer Science students must:

• Apply to the Science, Information Technology, Engineering and Co-op office
• Meet the cumulative GPA requirement of 2.5 and be in good academic standing
• Complete specific course requirements

Financial Fees for Co-op

The co-op program involves the following fees:

• Mandatory Co-op Orientation Course: $309 (one-time payment)
• Program Fee: $515 (non-refundable, charged for each co-op work term)
• Computer Science Co-op Course Fee: $334 (charged for each co-op work term)

Value of the Co-op Program

The co-op program is arguably the best way to be career-ready after completing a degree. Co-op students are better prepared, hired faster, and paid better than graduates with no work experience. Employers prefer experienced workers, making co-op an essential part of a Computer Science degree program.